When I first went on my mission to make my house smell amazing with little effort, I came across reed diffuser sticks. I found them at a relatively cheap price, so I picked some up. They worked wonderfully, so I took it upon myself to learn more about reed diffuser sticks, like how often to replace them.
On average, a person will need to replace diffuser sticks every six months. Certain situations might call for replacing them sooner, or they might last longer than six months. If you’re not sure when to replace them, six months is a good rule to follow.
Although the six-month rule is a great way for beginners to know when to replace reed diffuser sticks, there are quite a few other things to keep in mind as well. You’ll need to know how to tell when to change them. If this is your first time using reed diffuser sticks, there are plenty of beginner tips to keep in mind.
How Do Reed Diffusers Work?
Reed diffusers are relatively simple to use. Pour scented oil into a glass jar or vase. Then, the reeds soak up the oil and slowly release the scent into the air. This is a convenient way to provide a consistent smell throughout the home, and it requires almost no effort.
The More Reeds Used, The Stronger The Scent
Reed diffusers help distribute the scent throughout the room. While most come in packs of eight, it is not necessary to use all eight. It is also not necessary to only use eight. Larger rooms may call for several reeds to be used, while some people prefer to use a couple of reeds in several smaller reed diffusers. Remember, the more that is used, the stronger the scent will be. However, this will also make you use your oil at a quicker rate.
Reeds Are Not Reusable
Reeds work by pulling the scent up and then dispersing it through the air. The reed slowly gets full of the scent, and the oil that is used to carry it. Once the reed is completely saturated by the oil, it will not work anymore. At this point, they will disperse the rest of the scent into the air. Then, they will need to be replaced. They cannot be washed or re-used.
Turn The Reeds Weekly
Once the reeds are placed in the oil, the bottom of the reeds will become completely submerged in the oil. Because of this, they absorb more oil and will have more scent than the tops of the reeds. Turning them upside down will put the soaked bottoms at the top, which will instantly make the scent stronger. While this will not make the reeds last longer, it can help keep the scent consistent to guarantee that the room continues to smell heavenly.
Read more about How to Use a Reed Diffuser.
Reeds Need Replacing When There Is No Scent
There are different things that can affect how long reeds last, and general rules to follow concerning when reeds need to be replaced. However, the only way to tell is when there is no longer a scent coming from the reeds. At this point, it could be that dust or dirt clogged them. It could also mean that the reeds are simply done. If there is no scent coming from the reeds, it’s time to pick up some new ones.
Store Reeds In A Bag
Because reeds can get clogged before they are used, it’s important to store them in a bag. Leaving them in a large Ziploc bag will help ensure that they are not exposed to pollutants in the air that can ruin them before they are ever used.
Read our review on Best Reed Diffuser Sticks.
Benefits Of Reed Diffusers
Reed diffusers offer key benefits that homeowners will not have with large scented candles and plugins. They offer a safe alternative in drafty rooms, and last longer than other options, ensuring that your home will continue to smell amazing for weeks instead of mere hours. There are several other benefits that homeowners will appreciate about reed diffusers.
Flameless
No one has to light a wick or wrestle with a tealight candle for wax warmer. Instead, reed diffusers work on their own. This makes them safer for homes with small children. It can also be ideal in rooms with curtains, as the flame can catch the fabric on fire.
Low Maintenance
Candles require being watched, lit, and blown out. They can only be lit for so long, too. Reed diffusers, on the other hand, offer a low maintenance option. They do not need to be cleaned or watched to ensure that they are not dangerous. Simply put the scented oil in the diffuser and enjoy a refreshing fragrance.
Cost-Effective
Because these last for an extended period of time, they are a bit more budget-friendly than other products designed to keep rooms smelling beautiful. Homeowners will need to purchase oil, but there are plenty of low-cost options available. New reeds will also need to be purchased, but this only needs to be done every few months.
How Long Do Reeds Last?
While beginners can usually just use the six-month rule, there are other ways to tell that you need new reeds. Owners of reed diffusers will also need to keep certain things in mind that can affect how long the reeds last to ensure that they last as long as possible.
Cool Temperatures Help Them Last Longer
While an air conditioner is not good for your reeds, neither is a sunny windowsill. Reed diffusers should be kept in a slightly cool, darker environment away from direct sunlight. This will help them last significantly longer than they normally would.
Read more about How Long Do Reed Diffusers Last.
Brand And Material Matter
Bamboo reeds are known for lasting longer. Likewise, many brands that sell cheap reeds are known for not lasting as long. Before purchasing reeds, it’s important to do your research. Make sure that the reeds purchased are of high quality to ensure that they last longer.
Dust Clogs Reeds
If your home is particularly dusty, the dust can clog your reeds. Once they get clogged, you often need to use new reeds. If you would like to make your reeds last longer, place them away from heater vents that are known for pushing dust in the air. Investing in a good air purifier can also be great for both your reeds and your health.
Air Circulation
While a small amount of air circulation will help the scent waft peacefully around the room, too much air circulation will mean that you have to replace your reeds a bit sooner than expected. Things like large drafts, air conditioners, and fans can all increase air circulation to the point that your reeds will only last a few weeks instead of months. The more air circulation, the sooner they will need to be replaced.
Summary
Reed diffusers are a safe, effective way to make your home or business smell wonderful. They are convenient, cost-effective, and low maintenance. Although there is a bit of a learning curve, it doesn’t take long to learn how this works. Make sure that reeds are replaced as needed to continue to enjoy the benefits of this flameless option.